We Watch Train Wrecks
Are writers "everyday sadists" because we ratchet up conflicts and place our protagonists in dire and painful circumstances?
Developing Characters: The Lesson of Fruitvale Station
I use the movie Fruitvale Station as an example of how writers can go beyond stereotype to create sympathetic, multidimensional characters.
The Moment of Disillusionment
Hudson, New York was a whaling town in the 19th century, which led to the adoption of the whale as the town's symbol. For several years I have exhibited at…
A Writer’s Advice to Lego Builders
In my first two months on Instagram, I've gotten to know a lot of Lego builders and photographers, and I'm honored that some of my favorite Lego people there have…
In the Revision Weeds
Although I've been busy trying to promote Rogue, I also have a new YA novel that I finished and sent off to my agent last November. Titled ANTS GO MARCHING,…
Sexy Next Book
Yesterday morning I received a lovely thank-you from Michael Guarneiri, the English teacher who invited Fatima Shaik and me to Arts & Media Prep high school on Monday for a…
Guest Blogging for Launch Day
Tomorrow is the launch day for Rogue, and I've been busy writing guest blog posts and answering interview questions to get the word out. Last week, Janet Fox featured my…
How’s That Writing a Story in Portuguese Thing Working Out?
Apparently, a lot better than uploading my video progress report to this web site. In the end, I had to delete the videos and substitute a photo of my first…
Passive Protagonist Syndrome
I'm in an online discussion group for writers that's run by the lovely and brilliant author of the just-published middle-grade fantasy Jinx. Last week her topic was "Passive Protagonist Syndrome,"…
Writing Prompts
I'm nearing the halfway mark in my Portuguese class. We've had one test so far, another next week, and the two-day midterm exam the first week in April. We also…